How to Use Patient Hoists Safely: A Guide for Healthcare Workers

1. What Is a Patient Hoist?   

A patient hoist is a mechanical device designed to help transfer someone who cannot move safely or independently between positions. Depending on the person’s needs, it may be used for transfers between a bed, wheelchair, chair, or other suitable surface.

Common types are mobile floor hoists, ceiling-track hoists, and sit-to-stand devices. Each one has a different use, and the right one to choose depends on how mobile a person is, their physical health, how well they can work with others, and the type of transfer needed.

Hoists can help make care safer, but they don't eliminate all possible risks. Choosing the wrong gear, using slings that aren't right for the job, attaching them improperly, or not training workers well can lead to people falling and getting hurt.

2. Assess the Person and the Transfer Before Starting   

Before you use a hoist, make sure to check the person's moving and handling assessment and their care plan. These papers should include the correct tools, the kind of sling to use, the process for moving the person, and the amount of assistance required.

Consider the following factors:

Mobility: Can the person stand or move on their own and follow what is being asked of them?

Health needs: Are there any injuries, pain, breathing problems, or other health issues that might make it difficult to move someone?

Equipment: Is the hoist appropriate for the person using it and the job they need to do?

Environment: Is there enough room to move the equipment around without bumping into furniture or other things?

Staffing: Will the transfer need just one trained person or more help?

Check once more if the person's condition, their ability to move, or their surroundings have changed. Before starting the current plan, you should check with the right healthcare professional or supervisor to make sure it's still up to date.

3. Inspect the Hoist and Sling Before Use   

A pre-use check is an important step in ensuring safety during practice. Don't assume that equipment is secure just because it was used with proficiency.

Look at the hoist to see if there is any visible damage, missing pieces, strange sounds, broken cables or straps, and any other problems mentioned in the manufacturer’s instructions. The approved process involves inspecting the battery, controls, emergency stop, and other relevant functions for powered equipment.

Look at the sling carefully for any holes, broken strings, damaged loops or hooks, fabric that's worn out, and labels that are missing or hard to see. Check that the right size, type, and safe working load are properly set up.

The sling needs to work with the hoist as well. If there is any indication that the equipment is damaged, improper, or uncertain, avoid using it. Report the concern and follow workplace procedures.

Hoists and slings need regular maintenance and checks by qualified people. These inspections are not substitutes for routine checks carried out by care staff.

4. Follow the Correct Procedure When Positioning the Sling   

Putting the sling in the right place helps hold up the person's body and makes it less likely they will feel uncomfortable or slide out.

Tell the person what you're going to do before you start. Get their agreement when you can, keep their personal information safe, and make sure they feel comfortable during the whole process.

Put the sling in the position that the manufacturer says to use and that is right for the person's care plan. Make sure the person is properly supported, especially in areas that need more help, like the head or legs.

Make sure to attach each sling loop, clip, or connection point precisely as instructed for the equipment you are using. Verify that the attachments are secure and that safety nuts are securely fastened where necessary.

Before lifting the person all the way up, do a safety check after the sling and any attached parts are already tight. In case the sling changes direction unexpectedly or if any connection seems unstable, stop trying until you've fixed the issue.

5. How Should a Hoist Be Operated During a Transfer?   

After confirming that the person, sling, and hoist are ready, carry out the transfer according to the individual's moving and handling plan and the manufacturer's instructions for the specific equipment.

Move the controls gently and don't make quick or sudden moves. Keep talking to the person during the whole process and check where they are and how they feel until the move is done safely.

Communicate with the person and any colleagues assisting with the transfer. Ensure everyone understands their role and knows when to pause or stop.

Move the hoist carefully, watching for obstacles, changes in floor level, furniture, and other hazards. Never exceed the equipment’s safe working load or use a hoist for a purpose it was not designed to perform.

Once the equipment is no longer required, return the hoist to its designated storage area. Follow the organisation's cleaning and infection prevention procedures before the equipment is used again.

6. Complete the Transfer and Record Concerns   

Once the sling gets to the place, check that the person is steady and gently lower them onto the surface where they are supposed to land, then take off the sling.

After completing the transfer, check that the person is comfortable and safely positioned on the receiving surface. Remove the sling carefully using the approved technique to minimise unnecessary movement and avoid causing discomfort or friction.

Take the hoist to its assigned spot for storage and follow the rules for cleaning and sanitising the equipment during your breaks.

Use the right workplace system to let others know about broken equipment, injuries, strange happenings, or equipment problems. Good records help the care team know what happened and prevent similar problems from happening again.

7. Why Training Matters for Healthcare Workers   

A patient moving and handling course helps staff understand the risks associated with moving people and the principles behind safer transfers.

Specific Patient Hoist Training is also important because equipment can differ in its controls, attachments, sling requirements, and operating procedures. Workers need practical instruction on the actual equipment used in their workplace.

Manual & patient handling practical training provides an opportunity to practise relevant techniques under suitable supervision. Staff should only perform transfers for which they have received appropriate instruction and demonstrated competence.

The equipment used in the workplace and the worker's responsibilities should be the focus of training. Extra guidance might be needed if the steps change, new tools are added, someone's care needs differ, or company rules need more training.

8. Key Principles for the Safe Use of Patient Hoists   

Proper equipment, consistent safety evaluations, clear communication, and compliance with the moving and handling plan of the person are all important factors in ensuring safe hoist use.

Remember these essential principles:

• Assess the person and move them before beginning.
• Ensure that the appropriate hoist and sling are used.
• Check the equipment and any attached parts before you use them each time.
• Follow manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures.
• Clear communication with the individual and providing support for coworkers.
• If anything about the equipment, where someone is positioned, or their condition makes you worried, stop right away.
• Report faults and incidents promptly.

FAQs 

1. Is it possible for any healthcare professional to pilot a patient lift?

No. The equipment and transfer must be adequately trained and instructed to the workers. They need to follow the rules of the workplace and do their job based on what they are skilled at.  

2. What is the recommended frequency for checking a hoist and sling?

Before using the equipment, make sure to do both a visual check and a functional check, as instructed by the manufacturer and in line with your workplace policies. It is necessary to carry out formal inspection and maintenance at the appropriate times.

3. Can a single healthcare worker use a patient hoist by themselves?

The individual's moving and handling plan, equipment, transfer, and workplace protocols are all factors that must be considered. It's not advisable for staff to believe that a single employee transfer is appropriate.

4. In case a sling gets damaged, what steps should I follow?

Do not use it. Take it out of use following the workplace rules, let someone know about the issue, and make sure a good replacement is ready.

5. Why Is Practical Hoist Training Important?

Through hands-on training, healthcare professionals can gain knowledge about the appropriate use of lifting equipment. It can include checking for safety before use, putting the sling in the right place, properly attaching it, using the hoist controls correctly, and knowing when it's no longer safe to keep moving.

Conclusion   

Proper use of tools, useful skills, and a clear understanding of individual requirements are necessary for safely using patient hoists. Doing routine risk checks, inspecting equipment before using it, securing the sling correctly, and making sure everyone communicates clearly can help keep both the person receiving care and the healthcare worker safe.

If you work in healthcare or social care, check that your training is current and always follow the steps your organisation uses to help with moving someone. Look for opportunities to learn things that can help you get more knowledge and make your skills better for real-life situations. Apply or register today.

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